title: Development of a competency framework for the nutrition in emergencies sector.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is a recognised need to strengthen capacity in the nutrition in emergencies sector and for greater clarity on the role of emergency nutritionists and the skills they require. Competency frameworks are an important tool for human resource development and have been developed for several other humanitarian sectors. We therefore developed a technical competency framework for practitioners in nutrition in emergencies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Existing competency frameworks were reviewed and interviews conducted to explore methods used in developing competency frameworks for other sectors. Competencies were identified through interviews with field experts, feedback from course trainees, academic course content and job specifications. Competencies were then categorised and behavioural indicators developed for each. The draft framework was then reviewed by members of the Global Nutrition Cluster and modified in an iterative process.
  
  
  METHODS
  Global.
  
  
  METHODS
  Not applicable.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A wide range of competencies were identified as essential for nutritionists working in emergencies, covering technical skills and general core competencies. The proposed framework contains twenty competency areas with 161 behavioural indicators categorised into three levels, corresponding to the requirements of progressively more senior roles. Many of the competencies are common across development and emergency nutrition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The proposed technical competency framework should prove to be a valuable tool in creating standards within the sector and promoting effective capacity strengthening and professionalisation. Continued research is needed to validate the framework, optimise methods for assessment, develop approaches to integrate it within the sector and measure its impact on performance.
authors.affiliation: 1 UCL Institute for Global Health, Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Meeker
authors.affiliation: 1 UCL Institute for Global Health, Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
authors.forename: Abigail
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Perry
authors.affiliation: 2 Emergency Nutrition Network, Oxford, UK.
authors.forename: Carmel
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dolan
authors.affiliation: 3 World Vision International, Nutrition Centre of Expertise, hosted by World Vision Canada, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Colleen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Emary
authors.affiliation: 4 Concern Worldwide, Dublin, Republic of Ireland.
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Golden
authors.affiliation: 5 International Medical Corps, NW, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Abla
authors.affiliation: 6 Valid International, Oxford, UK.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Walsh
authors.affiliation: 7 Save the Children UK, London, UK.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maclaine
authors.affiliation: 1 UCL Institute for Global Health, Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Seal
mesh_terms: D000288:Administrative Personnel; D057191:Capacity Building; D003162:Competency-Based Education / Q000379:methods*; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D064686:Nutritionists / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011361:Professional Competence; D011635:Public Health Administration; D036301:Qualitative Research; D018635:Rescue Work / Q000458:organization & administration; D006113:United Kingdom